Bonita honors key employees of the year

Bonita Unified School District honored three employees who have distinguished themselves with excellent service to students, faculty, and staff. Each year the district honors one teacher, one classified employee and one administrator.

Ruth Luevand was named Certificated Employee of the Year for her success with students in the sciences. Principal Michael Kelly writes, "She puts forth a 'Mad Scientist' demeanor that gets kids excited about Chemistry. Her class is not an easy one, but students feel successful." Luevand is a leader among the faculty, promoting instructional growth, making connections with elementary school students through the "Science Road Show," and serving her colleagues through the Bonita Unified Teachers Association.

La Verne Heights Elementary School secretary Patty Fletcher was named the district's Classified Employee of the Year. The students, families, and staff of La Verne Heights count on her as one who genuinely cares for them. Principal Patrick McKee writes, "Even when the papers are piling and the phone is ringing in her ear, Patty can be seen giving hugs and high fives, bandaging an injured child, and providing a level of customer service that exceeds everyone's expectations."

Maureen Williams, principal of the Ed Jones Educational Center, was named the Management Employee of the Year. Williams has rejuvenated Chaparral and VISTA high schools, the two non-traditional high schools that make up the Ed Jones Center. Williams has boosted student morale by creating a school library, incorporating athletics in the school's programming, and integrating positive messages about the school to students, staff, the district, and the community at large. Williams' nominator wrote, "She has demonstrated an uncanny ability to reach the students at Chap and VISTA to help them understand the importance of getting an education."